Contact: Kim Durk/Durk Rion Public Relations 312-492-7721 kim@durkrion.com
TACO BELL FOUNDATION FOR TEENS FACT SHEET
What is the Taco Bell Foundation for Teens? Established in 1992, the Taco Bell Foundation, Inc. dba Taco Bell Foundation for Teens (TBFT) is a public benefit non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation committed to inspiring teenagers to graduate from high school and become caring, educated and productive adults. Historically, TBFT funded grants to schools and youth organizations. TBFT honed its mission in 1995 to focus solely on helping teens succeed after a customer research study identified teen issues—such as providing youths with alternative recreational, educational, and vocational opportunities in a safe environment—as the number one concern. Who Do We Support? TBFT is the largest donor to Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Inc. (BGCA) giving more than $23 million to support teen programming since 1995. In addition, TBFT provides grants to other worthy programs that are designed to help teens stay in school and on the path to graduation. Why Did We Choose Boys & Girls Clubs of America As Our Primary Partner? BGCA is the largest and fastest-growing youth development organization in America, serving girls and boys from disadvantaged economic and social circumstances. BGCA reaches more than one million teens each year through its vast network of 4,300 Clubs – each providing daily access, youth development programs and a trained professional staff. In a recent third-party survey of Club alumni, nearly two-thirds (61 percent) said the Club helped them become more committed to their education and forty-five percent said the Club helped them graduate from high school. What Do We Fund? TBFT supports BGCA through its long-standing sponsorship of the national Keystone program. This is the largest and most dynamic teen program within the organization, with more than 1,100 Keystone Clubs nationwide. With the guidance of Club staff, members ages 14-18 gain hands-on experiences planning and participating in projects that encourage career growth, academic success and volunteerism. Keystone teens have initiated projects like college field trips, job shadowing tours, health fairs and community clean-up events, all to benefit their Clubs and communities. Each year, ―Keystoners‖ develop a National Service Project with a common theme. The combined action of thousands of local Keystone Clubs results in a service project with national impact. Service projects are recognized each year during the national and regional Keystone Conferences sponsored by TBFT. These are premiere leadership events for teens and draw thousands of youth from Clubs nationwide. How is the Taco Bell Foundation for Teens Funded? Funding comes from the generosity of Taco Bell customer donations and the support of Taco Bell Corp., its employees, franchisees and partners. Canisters are placed in participating restaurants so patrons can support the program by donating their spare change. Additionally, franchisees have developed fundraising and volunteer opportunities within their own communities to support local teen programs. This year, participating Taco Bell® restaurants across the country are participating in its first-ever national fundraiser to support TBFT. The participating Taco Bell® restaurants will donate fifteen percent of their gross sales on April 23, 2009 to the Foundation. ###